Cowboys select LB Micah Parsons with No. 12 pick in 2021 draft

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“The NFL scouting community has been buzzing about Parsons since his freshman season. The 6-3, 246-pound linebacker with 4.39 speed displays a freaky combination of athleticism, instincts and playmaking ability that enables him to wreak havoc on opponents as a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. With Parsons also flashing A+ skills as a pass-rushing specialist from the second level, it is easy to see why the blue-chip linebacker earns high marks from scouts looking for a difference-maker at the position.” – Brooks

Parsons, the first of these ‘unicorn’ prospects that plays a position some fans would consider a need, has the ideal size and athleticism to play linebacker at the next level. While he opted out of the 2020 season, Parsons has more than shown that he knows how to use his traits to excel in stuffing the run and rushing the passer. While Parsons has the tools to develop into an excellent coverage linebacker, the skill is not currently considered his strong suit. Parsons projects to be a potential defensive game-changer, but Dallas still seems confident in middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and strong-side linebacker Jaylon Smith (Parsons’ two most ideal roles). With the Cowboys overall need for defenders and Parsons ridiculous measurables, the former Nittany Lion should be considered a realistic long-shot to be the Cowboys first-round pick.

The Dallas Cowboys decided that trading back was the answer when their number came up on the clock at No. 10. Moving back in a trade with division rival Philadelphia Eagles saw them back on the clock a few minutes later at No. 12. With that pick, they selected Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons.

Parsons opted out of the 2020 season, but comes with incredible athleticism for the position. Along with an ability to pursue sideline to sideline and be a great asset in run defense, Parsons is also a superb pass rusher. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will have a new piece to center his defensive attack around for the next several years.

Parsons was selected after the two top corners, Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain went in the top 10 before Dallas hit the clock.

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